The Kwid 1.0 SCe is finally here. While we take it for a spin in picturesque Mamallapuram and get you a detailed driving impressions report, let’s answer a few questions you might have about the new variant of the Kwid first.
When does it go on sale?
The 1.0-litre Kwid will be available in your neighborhood Renault showrooms starting August 22. As we’ve reported, bookings are already underway (unofficially) across dealerships. You can book one by paying anything between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000.
What is it going to cost?
Renault is tight-lipped about the price right now. However, expect a premium of close to Rs 50,000 for the bigger engine. Since it is available in the top-spec variants only, expect prices to hover between Rs 4.0 lakh and Rs 4.3 lakh (ex-showroom).
What variants can I choose from?
You can pick from two. The top-spec RXT, and the RXT (O) variants. With this variant, you get all the bells and whistles that the standard Kwid gets, including the touchscreen infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. The RXT (O) variant adds a driver airbag to the feature list.
Does it look any different?
How we wish! We’d have loved a spin-off on the Kwid Climber or Racer concept that were showcased at the Auto Expo, but Renault (sadly) had other plans. The only way to tell the 1.0-litre variant apart from the standard 800cc variant is to look for body graphics and a set of silver-finished mirrors. Other than that, everything is carried over from the standard Kwid as is.
What about the interiors?
Ditto here too, we’re afraid. It gets the same seats, identical 300-litre bootspace and identical kit. There’s no new color scheme and no new features. We’d have loved to see Renault up their game yet again by adding rear power windows or maybe an extra pair of speakers to go with the touchscreen infotainment unit, but that’s not the case this time round.
What’s the new engine like?
Well, you’d have to wait for our first drive report for that. But what we can tell you is that the 1.0-litre motor packs a healthy 68PS of power that gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 97PS/ton. ARAI-certified fuel efficiency is rated at a respectable 23.01 km/l. For a detailed look at the mechanicals, follow this link here.
Will it get an AMT?
Oh yes, it will. While there isn’t a concrete timeline, Sumit Sawhney, MD and CEO at Renault confirmed that the two-pedal version “will be launched very soon.” Notably, the Kwid 1.0 was showcased with the AMT gearbox at the 2016 Auto Expo.
Has Renault upgraded the safety?
We all know how the Kwid fared in crash tests conducted by the NCAP. While Renault hasn’t made any significant changes to the Kwid, they have added a pre-tensioner to the seatbelt mechanism. This prevents the occupants from getting thrown forward too much in case of an impact. For reference, the Brazil-spec Kwid gets four airbags and weighs a full 130kgs extra over the one sold in India. We’d have loved to see ABS on offer too, considering the added power but that’s not an option this time round.
There you have it. All you need to know about the new addition to the Kwid’s lineup. Got questions? Shoot them our way through the comments section below!
